Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
A new state law will soon void a Lawrence city ordinance that has helped some residents with low incomes find housing over the past three years.
One legislator called the city of Lawrence “crazy” as conflicting housing bills passed the Kansas House on Wednesday, including one potentially restricting options for low-income renters.
Kansas renters would be allowed to pay their landlords in increments under a proposal that aims to tackle some housing affordability and access issues.
Rep. Brooklynne Mosley, of Lawrence, told Kansas House members she would pray for those who favor corporate landlords over renters and lashed out at a Republican who complained about “filthy” renters.
A Kansas property owner wants to impose a restriction across the entire state because of Lawrence’s ordinance protecting low-income renters.
A real estate company has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Lawrence challenging an ordinance that bans discrimination based on where a potential tenant’s rent payments would come from, such as housing vouchers.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Kansas Court of Appeals judges have upheld Lawrence’s ordinance intended to ensure voucher recipients can secure housing, finding that “State and local governments have a legitimate interest in protecting the affordability and quality of housing.”
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
A group of Lawrence landlords have taken their argument against the city’s ordinance meant to ensure voucher recipients can find housing to a higher court.
The city has dismissed a lawsuit against a Lawrence apartment complex accused of refusing to rent to a woman who receives housing vouchers, though ultimately the woman was not able to move in.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
With years of housing insecurity and discrimination behind her, Christina Gentry is now chair of Lawrence’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board. In that role and other capacities, she strives to help folks who are now in the same space she was in not too long ago.
